Oct. 03, 2017
HARRISBURG – The House today passed legislation authored by Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) that would amend the definition of victim in the state’s restitution law to include all crime victims, not just individuals.
A recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling vacated a former representative’s restitution order for using state resources to run campaigns. The court found that the Commonwealth cannot be a victim as the definition of victim under law only refers to individuals and their family members, not an entity.
House Bill 1806 would change this.
“Payment of restitution is an important step in the criminal justice process,” Delozier said. “When restitution is not required, the money must come from somewhere to make the victim whole again. In cases where the victim is a government entity or organizations like fire companies, legions and libraries, the taxpayer ultimately pays through higher taxes or reduction in services to make up the difference. This bill will help correct this error.”
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The 88th Legislative District in Cumberland County includes Lower Allen and Upper Allen townships and the boroughs of Lemoyne, Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, Shiremanstown and Wormleysburg.
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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